Sarah Geneva Fortson Kiser

Proverbs 31:28 - Her children arise up and call her blessed. Known by so many as ""Gee"", others knew her as, ""Nannie"", and to her four children, ""Mother"", Sarah Geneva Fortson Kiser, 90, was born May 29, 1920 and died Saturday, May 28, 2011. She was born in Royston, GA, to the late Reverend Lonnie Howard and Josie Barton Fortson. She was a friend to countless people; being such a special influence to everyone she met. Mother led a full life, always putting Christ first. Her God given talent of playing the piano and organ influenced numerous individuals for countless years. This musical talent began at the age of 12 in her father's church. Her longstanding role as church organist for Central Tabernacle, First Assembly of God (for the late Rev. Carl Conner's ministry), Maple Grove Church of the Brethren, Hiatt United Methodist and Mt. Carmel United Methodist was just a small part of her fulfilled life. Through the age of 89, Mother provided comfort to others by sharing her musical talents at numerous rest homes in the community. She was also very active in several senior citizen club organizations. Mother had been in declining health for two years; she was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer ""Jay"" Kiser, Sr., six brothers: Clarence Sanders, Edward Sanders, Thurmond Fortson, Howard Fortson, James and Billy Fortson; five sisters: Janie Brim, Jessie Price, Jewell Wallschlager, Jeannette Ennis and Reverend Ruth Bovender. She is survived by one sister, Faye Fortson Tilley, of Winston Salem. Also surviving are her children: E.J. Kiser, Jr. (Faye), Winston-Salem, Beverly (Edgar) Miller, Winston Salem, Neva (Ralph) Cardwell, Oak Island, NC, and Mark Kiser (Glenda), Lexington. Grandchildren: Jennifer (Dale) Williams, Olin, NC, Jonathan (Valerie) Kiser, Advance, Joe Miller, Winston Salem, Rick (Noel) Miller, Lenoir, Emily Miller (fiancée Gary O'Dell), Winston Salem, Wendi (Chris) Bennett, Winston Salem, Jessica Cardwell, Leesburg, VA, Michael (Lauren) Cardwell, Huntersville, NC, Candice Kiser (partner Heather Havener), Candra (Jason) Leonard, and Christopher Kiser; ten great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a special friend, Ralph Eckrote of Kernersville. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Family Life Center. This will be a time to celebrate her life which would have been her 91st birthday. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. The family is so appreciative for all the many cards, personal visits and the support from the Hospice staff. A particular thank you is extended to Jessie Bennett, CNA II for her daily vigil and meticulous care given to Mother. Sandra Moella, RN, and Kim Kinsley, DO, Hospice Physician, for their compassion and support. Memorials are welcomed and can be made to KBR Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; Mt. Carmel Methodist Church Steeple Fund, 4265 Ebert Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27127; Central Tabernacle Church, P.O. 12003, Winston- Salem, NC 27117-2003. Online condolences can be made at www.hayworthmiller.com

Memorials:
Hospice and Palliative Care 101 Hospice Ln. Winston-Salem, NC 27103; Mt. Carmel Methodist Church Steeple Fund, 4265 Ebert Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27127; Central Tabernacle Church, P.O. Box 120003 Winston-Salem, NC 27117-2003

Cemetery:
Graveside service 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 31, 2011 at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens 3250 High Point Rd Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27107 {13597}

Visitation:
6:00PM to 9:00PM on Sunday May 29, 2011 at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church 4265 Ebert Road Winston-Salem, NC, 27127 {13314}

Service:
2:00PM on Monday May 30, 2011 at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church 4265 Ebert Road Winston-Salem, NC, 27127 {13314}

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